Americans who’ve lost family members or friends from COVID-19 can now apply to get up to $9,000 from the government to reimburse them for their loved one’s funeral costs.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Monday opened its COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number to pay back funeral expenses for COVID-19 deaths dating back to Jan. 20, 2020. Already on the first day, the agency noted it was “experiencing high call volume” that was leading to “technical issues.”
IMPORTANT!
For those who lost loved ones to COVID-19, new @fema funding for retroactive reimbursements of up to $9,000 available for burial costs.
For application assistance, visit @BPJCC – 1310 46th St or call our specialist, Mr. Schwartz – 718.972.6600@BPJCC – Here to help. pic.twitter.com/NbmVXz0GgA
— Boro Park JCC (@bpjcc) April 14, 2021
No family should go into debt because they need to bury a loved one, especially during this pandemic.
I’m glad @AOC brought this to my attention last year and I’m proud to have worked together to give relief to thousands of families hurting right now.https://t.co/RvUpFXdti4
— Chuck Schumer (@chuckschumer) February 8, 2021
FEMA Burial Services Program
FEMA began accepting applications for Funeral Assistance on Monday, April 12, 2021, through their dedicated call center.
COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number: 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
If you had COVID-19 funeral expenses, FEMA encourages you to keep and gather documentation. Types of information should include:
- An official death certificate that attributes the death directly or indirectly to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
- Funeral expenses documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that includes the applicant’s name, the deceased person’s name, the amount of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses happened.
- Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. We are not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources.
Please continue to visit the FEMA Funeral Assistance website for updated information and FEMA Funeral Assistance FAQ page for updated information.